It is not a fun thing to live frugally, however it also does not mean it must be painful. Sometimes when you experience difficult financial situations and need a change in your expense habits, the strategies to save money fast become very important. Here we list four fast ways for you to reduce your common expenses and save more money in an effective fashion.

1. Turn to store-brand goods in grocery stores.

When you frequently shop in grocery stores, you can tell the difference in price between the brand items and the store-brand items. Turn to store-brand goods can reduce your cost on grocery shopping. In addition, prepare a list before you go shopping and only put goods on your list into the cart and avoid the temptation of adding snacks and soda.

2. Purchase bulk items.

This is a good and fast way to save money. For instance, if you are buying toilet paper, you will save more when you buy an economy-sized pack. Although you have to pay more in the up front, you save more over the long run. The same strategy should also be applied in buying meats—instead of buying parts of a chicken, buy the whole and cut it by yourself.

3. Take full advantage of public library.

Entertainment activities can be costly, but you can’t live with them. To save the money you spend on purchasing DVDs and books, you can sign up for a public library and rental movies, books and other entertainment. There is almost no cost by doing so, just remember to return every item in time to avoid the unnecessary late fee when you return the item late.

4. Avoid too much dining out.

The less you eat out, the more you can save. Try to avoid purchasing too much coffee drinks, lunches and meals with your friends and co-workers. Instead, cook your own foods and take them to work. Another way to save is to cook from scratch rather than making processed foods such as frozen meals or boxed macaroni with cheese.
*Image source： http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/04/17/buyers-guide-how-to-buy-in-bulk/.